In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel share spring updates, answer a fireplace Q&A, and chat with new innkeeper Rod Whale about embracing history, Acadian heritage, and the adventure of old house ownership at one of Canada's oldest inns.

Stacy and Daniel ease into the episode by chatting about the seasonal shift and sharing a few listener follow-ups from past episodes.

After that, they dive into a fireplace-themed question from Amanda, using their own real-life experiences to weigh the pros and cons of gas versus wood-burning setups—highlighting safety, maintenance, and what works best for different types of old houses.

Later in the episode, Stacy and Daniel chat with Rod Whale, the new owner of the Bailey House Inn in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Rod shares how he went from crunching numbers and restoring antiques to running one of the oldest inns in Canada. He talks about the building's condition and the rich local history that drew him in. Rod is incredibly passionate about honoring the Acadian story and preserving the cultural heritage of the region. As he prepares for his first full season, his excitement is contagious, and his love for the Bailey House and its place in the community is unmistakable.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order.

Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Early bird pricing for the Wood Window Workshops at Silver Lake ends April 15, 2025. Learn more and sign up.
• Ep 155: Built Different - The Printmaker's Inn
• Ep 99: Rebecca Hunter - Sears Kit Homes and Other Kit Houses
• Ep 156: The Never-Ending Staircase Project
• Lustron Home For Sale in Syracuse
• Learn more and book your stay at the Bailey House

Will Stacy and Daniel ever stop talking about Frank Lloyd Wright? Yes, but not this week!

In this episode, Stacy and Daniel catch up after the Window Preservation Alliance conference and wade into the world of Usonian architecture through the story of the Gordon House—a modest, DIY-friendly home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Stacy recently visited the Gordon House in Silverton, Oregon, which sparked the conversation about Usonian design. The episode also takes a detour into Daniel's yard sale prep and the Goodwill treasures they found while thrifting in Scottsdale.

From radiant floors to hidden front doors, this episode is definitely the last time they talk about Frank Lloyd Wright (unless it isn't).

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor this show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Ball and Claw Antiques
• Grab a Ready-to-Ship True Tales From Old Houses t-shirt 
• Window Preservation Alliance and the Window Preservation Standards Collaborative
• Ep #51: Demystifying Linseed Oil Paint with Natalie from Earth and Flax
• The Gordon House
• Oregon Garden
• Blog Post: Stacy's photos from The Gordon House, an authentic Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel return to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter hideaway and experimental desert lab in the Arizona desert. They swap stories from their trip, including nighttime escapades under the stars, a gift shop that seriously impressed, and a rare peek inside the archives, where Asian art and architectural treasures are waiting to be discovered. They also dive into the quirky, communal lifestyle Wright fostered at Taliesin West and share how visitors today can still experience its one-of-a-kind charm.

Later, Daniel and Stacy sit down with Fred Prozzillo, the Nord McClintock Family VP of preservation and collections. Fred has a special connection to Taliesin West as a former architecture fellow. Fred offers an insider's perspective on what it was really like to live and work on-site and discusses the complexities of preserving a place that may not have been built to last. Together, they explore why Frank Lloyd Wright's daring designs and unconventional ideas continue to captivate architects, historians, and old house enthusiasts worldwide.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order.

Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Buy the book - The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows by Stacy Grinsfelder and Scott Sidler
• Learn more about the Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake (July 2025)
• Taliesin West Photo Scrapbook: Behind-the-scenes photos
• Ep 140: Behind the Scenes at Taliesin West (Pat Evans) 
• Book: The Fellowship: The Untold Story of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Fellowship by Friedman and Zellman
• Book: Tales of Taliesin by Cornelia Brierly
• Fred Prozzillo 
• Unesco World Heritage Sites

Ever wondered what it's like to spend the night at Frank Lloyd Wright's desert hideaway? This week, Stacy and Daniel are on location at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

They share stories from their stay in the historic apprentice apartments and offer a behind-the-scenes tour of Wright's iconic desert retreat. From the rugged charm of desert masonry to the surprising quirks and organic flow of the campus, Stacy and Daniel reflect on what life might have been like when Wright and his third wife, Olgivanna, called Taliesin West home.

Be sure to check out the companion blog post for photos from this memorable field trip.

Today's episode is part one of a two-part series recorded on location. Don't miss out—subscribe to True Tales From Old Houses and catch part two next week!

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor this show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Taliesin West - Scottsdale, Arizona
• Cornelia Brierly - The first female fellow of Frank Lloyd Wright in Taliesin West
• John Rattenbury - Frank Lloyd Wright Apprentice
• Arizona Biltmore 

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, host Stacy Grinsfelder highlights the powerful work of the Descendants Project, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the heritage and environment of the Black descendant community in Louisiana's river parishes. Through grassroots activism and historic preservation, the organization works to protect their ancestral land and challenge the environmental injustices that threaten their community.

Later in the episode, Stacy revisits a 2020 interview with Bill Chapman. Bill is on a deeply personal journey to uncover the names of enslaved individuals connected to his family's historic property, Enon Hall. By giving them back their names, he seeks to honor their memory and acknowledge their humanity. 

This special episode of True Tales From Old Houses is part of Podcasthon, a collaborative effort bringing together podcasters to highlight nonprofits and charitable causes. Learn more at Podcasthon.org.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order.

Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Podcasthon.org
• The Descendant's Project (website) (Instagram)
• The Descendant's Project (in the news)
• The Descendant's Project NPR
• The Descendant's Project Good Morning America
• Ep #39: Enon Hall Part II
• Enon Hall (Instagram)

How do you blend modern style with the soul of an old house? Can contemporary design coexist with historic charm without feeling out of place? In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel chat with designer Amy Ilias to answer these questions. 

First, during listener Q&A, Emily asks for guidance on recreating the look of traditional beadboard for her porch ceiling. Stacy and Daniel discuss sourcing materials, matching historic profiles, and installation techniques to maintain the period charm of Emily's home.

Then, designer Amy Ilias shares her experience of purchasing and renovating The Lavender Ghost, her historic home. Amy dives into the emotional significance of the house, her design philosophy of honoring history while embracing modern aesthetics, and the inspiration she draws from art and architecture.

The conversation expands to the creative process behind home renovation, the joys and challenges of preserving an old house, and the role of family and heirlooms in shaping personal style. Amy offers insights on the essence of a home, the art of collecting and editing possessions, and the importance of honoring history while making a space your own.

If you love old houses, thoughtful renovations, and relatable conversations about the challenges and joys of historic homeownership, be sure to subscribe to True Tales From Old Houses.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order.

Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Sunset and Sips: Taliesin West, March 6, 2025
• 3rd Annual Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake: Registration & Info
• Window Preservation Annual Conference: March 13-15 Astoria, Oregon
• The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows is the brand new book by Stacy Grinsfelder & Scott Sidler. Buy it at TheCraftsmanStore.com.
• The Flat Stanley Project
• Japanese Art Dolls
• Charleston House - Home of Artists Vanessa Bell & Duncan Grant - UK
• John Soanes House - Sir John Soane's Museum London
• Follow The Lavender Ghost on Instagram
• Amy Ilias Website

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter celebrate a long-awaited victory as Stacy finally crosses the finish line on the never-ending staircase project. After six years of stops and starts, she reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of seeing the project through to completion.

Then, they discuss boiler technology and the tough decisions that come with home restoration. It’s a candid and relatable conversation about the highs and lows of loving old houses. 

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor this show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Join us at Taliesin West for Sunset and Sips - Buy Tickets
• Bahco Scrapers (affiliate link)
• Episode #107: Hardwood Floor Talk with Brendan Brody of Queen City Restoration

What happens when disaster strikes a historic building? And how do you even begin to move an entire house to a new state? In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel explore the incredible efforts people make to save history—one building at a time.

First, historic preservation specialist Robert Killion joins Stacy and Daniel to talk about FEMA's role in protecting historic buildings and cultural heritage when disaster strikes. He explains how FEMA helps communities rebuild, what compliance rules come into play, and why preserving family treasures is just as important as saving big historic landmarks. Plus, he shares practical tips for disaster preparedness—because you never know when Mother Nature (or an unexpected plumbing disaster) might throw you a curveball.

Then, they chat with Pete Galloway, who took his passion for historic preservation to the next level by moving an entire house from Connecticut to Savannah, Georgia. He shares the wild journey of securing funding, navigating city approvals, and figuring out how to transport a whole building. Now the proud owner of Printmakers Inn, Pete also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at running a historic inn, finding the right team for restoration projects, and why saving old buildings is always worth the effort.

From disaster recovery to house-moving adventures, this episode has it all! Whether you're a history buff, a preservationist, or love a good "you won't believe what happened next" story, you won't want to miss it!

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks at a time. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order.

Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Learn more about the Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake - Earlybird tickets are available on March 1st. 
• Window Preservation Alliance Annual Conference - March 13-18 in Astoria, Oregon
• Learn more about HENTF (Heritage Emergency National Task Force) 
• What is HENTF
• Prepare for Natural Disasters (FEMA) 
• Printmaker's Inn (website) 
• Printmaker's Inn (Instagram)

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter are back with fresh updates, big plans, and a tangent or two.

First, Daniel gives an update on his ongoing duplex renovation, including the latest challenges and progress in the basement and foundation work—because structural integrity is kind of a big deal.

Meanwhile, Stacy updates everyone on her staircase restoration—and while she insists she's not a perfectionist, well… let's just say the results suggest otherwise.

But it's not all sanding and structural repairs! Stacy and Daniel are gearing up for an architectural pilgrimage to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they'll visit Taliesin West, soak up some Frank Lloyd Wright inspiration, and record new podcast episodes on location. You're invited! (more details soon)

Finally, because every True Tales From Old Houses episode comes with an unexpected side quest, the conversation somehow veers into skiing—because the only thing more terrifying than structural issues is flying downhill at 40 mph on purpose.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

In this episode of True Tales from Old Houses, Contractor and preservationist Brent Hull joins hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter to talk craftsmanship, good design, and why historic homes deserve better. Plus, learn how psychic realtor Josie Coleman clears homes of unwanted spirits. From hauntings to millwork, this episode has it all!

Stacy and Daniel open the episode by catching up on personal projects.

Then, following up on last season's ghost stories, realtor and psychic Josie Coleman reveals how she clears homes of lingering unwanted spirits and restores energetic balance. Depending on the day, Stacy and Daniel are skeptics or believers, but either way, Josie offers a fascinating look at handling paranormal life in old houses.

Finally, preservation expert Brent Hull shares his insights on craftsmanship, historic design, and making smart renovation choices. He dives into the importance of quality millwork, the gaps in architectural education, and how homeowners can restore their historic homes while maintaining authenticity. Whether you're preserving history or just making renovation decisions, Brent has the insights you need!

This episode has it all—ghosts, good design, and the wisdom of a true preservation pro!

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks at a time. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order.

Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake - Learn More
• Ball & Claw Antiques in Port Ewen, NY
• Stacy and Scott Sidler's book launch - February 24 (More info coming soon!)
• Window Preservation Alliance Annual Conference March 13-15 - Learn More
• Josie Coleman - Website | Lotus Lantern | Instagram
• North Bennet Street School
• The Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA) website
• Pre-order Brent's historic Millwork book | (affiliate) link